Renewable Energy Communities in Denmark, Finland & the Netherlands
The study holds that Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) can play a crucial role as a shield for the Europeans against the ongoing global polycrisis. By enabling decentralised, locally owned renewable energy production, RECs can strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and protect citizens from volatile energy prices and energy poverty.
The paper highlights how recent crises, from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to instability in the Middle East, have increased the importance of local energy self-sufficiency instead of centralised systems in Europe. It shifts attention in European energy policy from purely techno-economic perspectives toward human, social, political and governance dimensions of decentralised energy systems.
Local RECs are not merely technological or economic solutions, but above all, social innovations. They empower citizens to actively participate in the energy transition through collective ownership and governance, while also generating local jobs and income, which is particularly important for revitalising remote rural areas suffering from population loss.
Although renewable energy technologies are essential, the paper argues that the long-term success and transformative potential of RECs depend more on new societal visions, collective action, supportive governance, and the ability to scale beyond small niche projects. Drawing on qualitative research from Denmark (Samsø), Finland (Koivistontie), and the Netherlands (Schoonschip), the study examines why some RECs become transformative local institutions while others remain limited in impact. It concludes with 13 policy proposals at EU, Member State, and regional and local levels.
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This paper is a joint initiative of Coppieters Foundation and The Association for Rural Culture and Education (Finland)
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This paper is financially supported by the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not liable for the content of the event nor for the opinions of the speakers.
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Photo by Robert Clark on Unsplash
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